Joyce Freidig

Joyce Ilene Freidig, 97, formerly of Center, died June 23, 2026, at Edgewood Mandan.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 7th at St. Martin's Catholic Church, Center. Burial will follow at St. Martin Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3–5 PM on Monday, July 6th at St. Martin Catholic Church with a Rosary and Parish Vigil at 5 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Joyce was born October 23, 1928, in Granville, ND, the daughter of Herbert and Mary Belle (Drader) Livingston. She was raised and educated in Granville, Bantry, and Towner. On April 21, 1945, she married John Freidig in Center, and they shared over 54 years making happy memories together.

Joyce worked at Bobb's Cafe in Center for 18 years. She then went to work at Center School as a cook and then was the head cook for 20 years, retiring in 1992. Joyce then worked for Green Thumb at the Golden Age Club for several years.

Joyce was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church, the Golden Age Club, and the Merry Mixers Homemakers Club.

Joyce lived a long and meaningful life marked by quiet strength, kindness, and deep devotion to her family, friends, and faith. Her spirituality was the guiding force in her life, shaping her compassion, grace, and generosity. She found joy in life's simple pleasures—baking, cooking, canning, fishing, playing cards and games. She made many beautiful quilts and crochet items. Joyce enjoyed time spent with family and friends at home and at the retirement center. She had a gentle way of making others feel welcome and cared for. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Blessed to have shared in her life is one son and daughter-in-law, Gerald (Tracy) Freidig, Center; daughter-in-law, Susan Freidig, Mandan; five grandchildren, Perry (Fran), John (Katie), Chad (Ronda), Tony (Kelly), and Donald (Katie); and 11 great-grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; two sons, Donald and Darrell; one sister, Bethel (Ralph) Ekstrom; and one brother, Herbert (Laurel) Livingston.

The family wishes to thank Mandan Edgewood for the care given to Joyce.